Building the CHEAPEST 8 Bit Atari Flash Cartridge - A8PicoCart - Full Flashcart Build & Programming

[@stephenelliott7071]

Thanks

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Whoa! Thank you Stephen! That is incredibly generous of you!

[@stephenelliott7071]

@@MarkFixesStuff you're welcome mate. I much prefer KZbin to TV these days so keep plugging away and produce the great content you always do! Great to see Caverns of Mars again, I don't think it gets enough credit. Loved it back in the day and still play it sometimes. :-)

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@stephenelliott7071 It’s honestly such a solid game. I showed it to Mrs Fixes Stuff and she got hooked.

[@stephenelliott7071]

Oh definitely, there were so many horizontal scrolling shooters so this vertical one was something a bit different, plus it has so much nostalgia for me. I had a Speccy at that time so had to pop round a mates house to play it on his posh expensive Atari 800 lol.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@stephenelliott7071 my cousin had the 400, with CoM and Star Raiders - great games!!!

[@ddimento8790]

Nice to see you back in action Mark.

[@khyehickey]

Thanks!☘

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Oh my goodness!!! Thank you so much again Khye!

[@shpongled]

Another great video! Almost inspired me to make one but I caved in and bought one ready made on eBay. Still, it was inspirational in getting me to buy one!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Thank you so very much for your support! Glad you liked the video. Robin did a great job on this project.

[@AJMansfield1]

5:00 Pro tip for soldering: breadboards are the ideal work-holding for soldering rows of pins -- keeping them all securely held at the _exact_ correct spacing and alignment.

[@AJMansfield1]

I even use breadboards to solder socket headers, mounting them pin-end-up on my soldering breadboard using some double-length pins I keep around for the purpose.

[@SteveRaynerMakes]

You ask what we think of your video. The images are very bright and clear. Sound is awesome. Use of music at low volume in the background sets a good mood. Can't fault the quality of the video production. Yes, I remember well. Local shop closed half day on Wednesday, TV only had three channels, pls your Atari (or spectrum) if you were lucky enough to have one.

[@3vi1J]

Great video. To make attaching the pin-headers easier, I just stick them in an old breadboard with the pico on-top. That way they'll be guaranteed straight, and gravity keeps the pico all the way on them while soldering.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@3vi1J That’s a brilliant tip!

[@hollybrereton3140]

Beautiful close-up shots of Mark’s hot tip. Not so easy to achieve and much enjoyed.. He’s truly a man of many talents.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Close up everything looks bigger.

[@ctrlaltrees]

Ooh, I've been meaning to put one of these together - it's an awesome project. Random thought but this yellow and purple colour combo would look cool in a clear resin shell!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

That's a great idea!

[@ScottMadeAThing]

All your vids are great but this is the best one for ages. I’ve been subbed on my main (normal user) account for a short while, since you were a guest on The Retro Hour, but have watched LOADS of your back catalogue. I am paying a small tribute to you in an upcoming video :) BTW your soldering is very satisfying! Your format is perfect (for me and my ADHD brain at least) although since you asked, I’d say we need more of your lovely face! I hope everything is going well with your channel adjustments and I look forward to the next vid ❤

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@ScottMadeAThing that’s very kind of you! I look forward to the video. Not sure about my face though… that means moving the camera for a start!

[@necro_ware]

Pi Pico has 3V I/O voltage, which is somewhat tolerant to 5V for a while, but eventually it will start to have strange glitches and die. This cartridge needs a level shifter and that's the biggest bummer about Pi Pico when using it with retro hardware.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Yes there’s a discussion about this over on AtariAge. The ports used are unofficially 5v tolerant but not the 5.5v needed to get the official seal of approval. It’s a good read.

[@TygonBC]

Great video and project, Mark. At first I thought it might be the answer to all my dreams, didn't read the description properly and thought it was for Atari 8-bit consoles, and have been waiting for an affordable solution for my 7800, as the only flash cart currently available is Krixzz-level expensive. Those big-hitter valuable games still elude me! As I haven't ventured into the heady world of soldering yet either, this looked like a great beginner project. All that aside, enjoyed your video, which is the main thing 🙂

[@chrismifsud7154]

I like watching the soldering shots. I learn from it so I can do neater and better soldering. I even paused your video so I can search for one of those PCB holders and found a local shop 5 minutes walk from my work place who sells them for around 9 euros. I'll probably do this project more for the fun of doing it and the learning experience and soldering practice than for actually using it and yes I will use it on my 65XE :) P.S... I love watching your videos. And again with the soldering shots, it reminds me of the terrible soldering I did when I added a donor chip to my SNES Everdrive to be able to play Mario Kart on it.. It works but the soldering looks awful. Anyway, sorry for my looong comment lol.

[@cyrus3055]

I like your videos with the close up of soldering and calm voice. I learn a lot from you. 👍😁

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Thank you so much

[@richardpowell8198]

Great video Mark this is the stuff I like you making good old retro pcb!! well done.

[@catriona_drummond]

I actually do like the ultra close soldering shots because it was them that made me understand the process better.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I’m so glad someone gets it!

[@johnnydee6340]

Its Always a pleasure watching your videos mark

[@grahamclayton1110]

Thoroughly enjoyed this, tempted to have a go myself just to see if I can make it!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Go for it!

[@michaelcarey]

Fantastic build. It's great to see modern accessories being developed for old 8-bit platforms. One thing I will mention about the build, simple is often better. Get some Veroboard and use it to hold the pin headers in place while you solder them to the PCB while just placing them on your desk. Push down with your pinkie finger while holding the solder with thumb/forefinger. I've tried PCB holders before and I am much more comfortable resting my forearms on the bench while soldering, I dislike soldering when my arms are "floating" :-)

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Same but it’s really hard to film things flat on the bench and solder them with the camera in the way.

[@michaelcarey]

@@MarkFixesStuff I fully understand, I've watched a lot of of your soldering videos and you do a fantastic job given that you are sharing the space with a camera 🙂 your close up shots of the solder flowing into the joint are amazing.

[@Colin_Ames]

Always good to watch one of your videos, even if the subject matter doesn’t pertain to me. Keep them coming.

[@beanz991]

Great little project to try, thanks!

[@BottIsNotABot]

Another great video! You really are spoiling us of late.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

More to come!

[@kneehighspy]

excellent video mark, i’ve built a bunch of these. great little carts.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Very cool! I actually was going to ask you what you thought about Power Supply replacements for the Ti99. Have everyhthing here to repair the one that Taz gave me, but no AC PSU.

[@darrenhunter2324]

Loved the Video Mark.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BastetFurry]

1:19, thats what he said 😁 Still, one thing to note here, the RP2040 is not officially 5 volt tolerant! It can work out as we see here but we stress the chip. So beware and don't be sad when this setup fries a RP2040.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

There’s a discussion about this on Atari Age. The pins used should be ok for five volts unofficially, but they are not certified. At the end of the day, the pico costs £1.40 delivered so is worth the risk

[@BastetFurry]

@@MarkFixesStuff the thing is tough, imagine you are on a scene party like Revision and are happily coding on the last lines of your demo. Disaster strikes and the module refuses to work because of this problem. If you are lucky someone has a RPPico module that they can give you but the problem still exists. If i where an Atari home computer user i would most definitely take that cart and add level shifters. They aren't that expensive and make sure that the cart will work forever. Yes, its only 1,70€ for such a "Chinese" Pico but still, having it kill itself at the most inconvenient moment is a certainly, Murphy never sleeps. ;)

[@dingusbingus7463]

Great vid Mark, hope all is well❤

[@grandupper2588]

good stuff marky mark, keep them coming and more innuendo :)

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Thanks, will do! I’ll try to do some content whilst moving!

[@RetroMatt67]

Great vid as always Mark!

[@UpLateGeek]

Good tip not soldering all the pins into the raspberry pie before inserting it into the board. I always forget that every time, and it's always a difficult to insert. Those custom cartridge labels look great! I'm jealous of my friend who's got a filament auto changer on her 3D printer, but your results are still pretty good.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Good tip! Thanks!

[@coffeecuparcade]

I think job well done there mate. Love it!

[@frankowalker4662]

Some nice colour choises there. 👍

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@marceloaug]

Great video thanks. Does anyone know of a similar option for the Magnavox Odyssey 2?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I don't I'm afraid. I have a Phillips G7000 here and never even powered it on as yet.

[@user-Atamigaputer]

Very nice, ive got a Lotharek SIO2SD, a SIDE2 and a FUJINET but im a sucker for these things and will make one as well lol

[@MarcoGPUtuber]

A video after the final video. I am spoiled!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Final Spectrum video. Final video on that Spectrum. Third and final video on that machine. I think I’m going to have to change that thumbnail.

[@MarcoGPUtuber]

@@MarkFixesStuff Well, it comes on the heels of the channel announcement video as well. While it is saddening to see less content, you gotta do what'cha gotta do. I'll be here watching while I am fixing my own stuff.

[@m4rgin4l]

I love software defined hardware.

[@helldog3105]

Looks like I have a project for next month to do now.

[@fabioscotelaro]

Ótimo projeto amigo, parabéns , ele funciona para atari 2600, ou tem algum projeto para o 2600?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

This doesn't work on the 2600. Only the 8 bit range of computers and the XEGS console.

[@Retroguyuk75]

Ahh ya can't go anywhere Mark ya Vid's are awesome :)

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Thank you! I’ll try to get stuff out when I can. I’m ankle deep in boxes right now!

[@manxam2k]

@@MarkFixesStuff Ankle? I think you're doing it wrong.. Poor Mrs. Fixes Stuff

[@mehere3013]

can this be done with any other console carts

[@hypergl6974]

Is there also a version for the atari 1040? I would like to change the roms from german to english

[@MrKrimstah]

Is there a version for the 2600 ?😊

[@MarkFixesStuff]

The creator was working on a 2600 version but had some issues with compatibility between consoles. I think it’s shelved. The Unocart is still an option but harder to build.

[@MrKrimstah]

@@MarkFixesStuffsuch a cool piece of tech hopefully he picks it back up again

[@Mrshoujo]

Where can I buy one? I could build it, but I need the parts & someone else having made the cartridge shell.

[@ThisOldChris]

I saw them sold on Ebay in different stages of completion.

[@Zhixalom]

♪ ♫ It was a one-eyed, one-horned Purple PI Pico eater ♫ ♪

[@MarkFixesStuff]

😂😂😂

[@Zhixalom]

@@MarkFixesStuff Mission accomplished! - This message will highly unlikely self-destruct in 5 seconds.

[@Astravall]

While not all pins were soldered yet, why not press down on the pico clone while inserted into the PCB and reflow that one edge Pin to straiten it out? I think that would have made it much cleaner.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I actually intended to simply clip the pins down but didn’t bother once it was in the case.

[@Astravall]

@@MarkFixesStuff Sorry Mark. It might be nitpicking on my side, but by cleaner i meant the pin header to sit flush on the board and not bent. Doesn't change the bent if you clip the pins on the other side ;).

[@wayne_taylor]

I put the pins into a breadboard, then the PCB solder away.

[@Evilslayer73]

Hi do this cart working on the atari 400?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Yes.

[@Evilslayer73]

@@MarkFixesStuff cool im gonna pass the command on pcbway :)

[@Evilslayer73]

@@MarkFixesStuff Hi Mark i cant find the tools to convert files for my atari 400 did you know where i can find this ?:)thanks in advance!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@Evilslayer73 github.com/cwedgwood/rom2car is an older version I think? Looks like the link on Github is broken! Maybe give @electrotrains a nudge on X (formerly Twitter LOL)

[@andreasyufrizal73]

Can it play on atari 2600?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

No, the Atari 400/800/65/130/XL/XE computer range and it's variants. Maybe look into the Unocart 2600.

[@TheVetUk]

“Sucked off into a fantasy world” - fucking brilliant 😂😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Thankuverramush 😅

[@Elberto71]

Oh we've all been there 😜

[@TheVetUk]

@@Elberto71 can I have the address 🙏

[@Uzeless]

I honestly thought this would work with the Atari 2600, as it's an 8-bit machine. Bought everything, built it and found that it sadly does not.

[@SimonQuigley]

Thanks, I was about to make the same mistake

[@Nukle0n]

Glad to see that "Final" wasn't quite Final. You put a lot of effort into shooting the video and it shows. On topic of the video: I really dislike the fragmentation of the RP2040 dev boards. I guess it makes sense considering that people have different uses, but it's also just a bit of a bother. At that point he might as well design the board to just have the RP2040 directly on there plus the other necessary components. I guess for some inexplicable reason it's cheaper to get these dev boards than than RP2040, RAM and handful of jellybean parts? I know part of it is also so it can be assembled by the end user but seeing as how PCBway also provides affordable Pick&Place... :P

[@MarkFixesStuff]

That was the final video on that spectrum, being part three. In my downsizing video I did say my vids would still be coming but less elaborate. The pi thing is nuts. There’s not enough GPIO pins exposed on a standard pico, hence the clone use. I think popping an RP2040 on would be great but make the project harder for people. It’s not a commercial project either.

[@abrahamordonezzarco785]

Hey Mark... this is sooo coool.. but... what about atari 2600??

[@MarkFixesStuff]

This doesn't work on the 2600. Only the 8 bit range of computers and the XEGS console.

[@mi213GER]

4:42 time to some Hawk Thua action 😂

[@c1ph3rpunk]

Have you tried this with a “real” 2040? Does it work?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

The RP2040 chip itself is the same. It’s the pins that are available on the headers that are different.

[@c1ph3rpunk]

@@MarkFixesStuffhmm, dug in there a little more, not sure why the creator would pick that one over the official version, it’s not that much cheaper. It’s $2.83 vs $4.14, that clone vs the official one. Seems risky to pick a clone that might disappear who knows when. Love the idea, just wish it used the real board. Maybe it’s cheaper in other regions, just not in the US. Wonder if those additional IO pins are what was needed. Have to order some up and see.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@c1ph3rpunkyes, it’s the extra exposed GPIO pins on the clone. There’s not enough GPIO pins exposed on the board with the official pico. I tried to explain this in the video.

[@shanebroadbent2792]

To get back to the menu, press the reset button on the cartridge, then reset on the Atari.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I was told that after. I’m far too used to the way the Spectrum resets. My bad!

[@PG-gs5vb]

@@MarkFixesStuff Yes, the switch on the cart actually does not reset the machine, it just remaps the cart's ROM into Atari's memory space and sets the respective vectors to run the cartridge after you press RESET.

[@perinoid]

Press reset on an A8Pico and then the computer Reset key.

[@RetroJack]

Well done saying "purple pi pico" so many times! 😁

[@MarkFixesStuff]

There were a few takes…

[@rich35ukuk]

Hi mark how's things how your well mate

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@rich35ukuk I’m ok Rich, thanks for asking. Currently trying to put out a little bit of content whilst packing to move. How are you?

[@firstsurname9893]

5:33 Blimey, close-ups like that should come with a "strong pornography" warning.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Extreeeeeeeeme close up!

[@firstsurname9893]

@@MarkFixesStuff Party on Payne!

[@mwk1]

awesome stuff, Mark, soldepr0n 😎

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Thanks!! 🤩

[@RyanMercer]

Bewm bebe

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@RyanMercer kahbewm !

[@mikeypeters7003]

Would love a Super Nintendo one. Or perhaps a Megadrive one.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I’m not sure if the pico has enough GPIO ports for a sixteen bit console?

[@MarcoGPUtuber]

11:04 You wanna know what I think? You had me hooked on the fire damaged board cleaned by ultrasonic video. Been watching since.

[@JenniferinIllinois]

Having never soldered anything, I do enjoy watchin others solder. No idea why. Hehehe...

[@PG-gs5vb]

Just a weird kink but you're not alone!

[@UKsystems]

They were definitely cheaper ways of doing this, but this is very simple

[@AtreidaeChibiko]

"smurf poo" got my like and subscription

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

Ah, Smurf Poo!

[@ThisOldChris]

A8PicoCart is already in the shared projects on PCBWay so no need to upload the files.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I couldn’t find it! Got a link?

[@ThisOldChris]

@@MarkFixesStuff Wow even deconstructed link gets deleted... 🤦‍♂ Click "Shared Projects" on the top right and search A8PicoCart

[@RonHelton]

👍👍👍👍👍👍🕹🕹🕹🕹🕹🕹

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

Was well with you until you started talking about the 3d printing stuff and I was lost 😂

[@darthlovejoy3811]

I must be weird cause I like gratuitous soldering shots

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I must be weirder because I film them …

[@dominikschutz6300]

Sloppy Mark's 😋

[@MarkFixesStuff]

That’s my sexy time name!

[@CorporalWobbly]

Haircut!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

… 100? Fantastic Daaaaaa-aaaa-aaay!

[@CorporalWobbly]

@@MarkFixesStuff I was referring to your intro graphic but that is a great song

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@CorporalWobbly I just changed back to the old one without hair from years back 😂

[@RetroFormatPublications]

Another excellent video Mark

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks 🙏